UPDATE: DOEE will begin accepting applications for the FY27 LIHEAP by Fax, Online and Mail ONLY on October 20, 2026. Starting November 10, 2026, residents can call (311) to schedule an in-person appointment that will begin on November 17, 2026. Residents who walk into the DOEE service centers without an appointment will not be seen.
To prepare for the opening:
- Review eligibility guidelines.
- Gather required documentation such as proof of income and residency.
- Check back here on October 20 for updated application links and instructions.
For questions, contact the DOEE Energy Services team at 311 or (202) 737-4404 or visit the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Utility Discount Program (UDP) for updates.
For questions, contact the DOEE Energy Services team at 311 or (202) 737-4404. More updates will be posted as they become available.
LIHEAP assists income-eligible District households with heating and cooling energy costs. Eligible households may receive energy bill assistance between $250 and $1,800 as a one-time regular energy assistance benefit. This benefit is based on household size, total household income, heating source, and type of dwelling.
Crisis/Emergency Benefit:
A household is considered to be in crisis when it is at immediate risk of losing access to home energy. DOEE defines a crisis as any of the following:
The household has an outstanding arrearage of $250 or more after the regular LIHEAP benefit is applied; and:
- Energy service has been disconnected; or
- Deliverable fuel supply is at 5% or less of tank capacity
Residents seeking emergency electric or gas assistance must provide documentation from PEPCO and/or Washington Gas that states their service has been disconnected when applying for assistance. (Please see the FAQ below for additional information about eligibility for emergency assistance.)
How to apply:
All residents seeking energy assistance will need to meet income guidelines (listed below) and provide the following documents when submitting their application:
- Government issued unexpired photo identification for the applicant
- Recent Washington Gas, PEPCO, and DC Water utility bills
- Proof of current income for all household members
- Social security cards for all household members
- Your service disconnection notice or a letter from the utility company that states the service has been disconnected (if applicable)*
* Residents seeking emergency electric or gas assistance must provide documentation from PEPCO and/or Washington Gas that states their service has been disconnected when applying for assistance.
How to Apply Online
Starting on October 20, 2026, you may apply online for the FY27 LIHEAP by using the link below. You must complete each section and upload all the required documents before you submit your application. You can check the status of your online application by logging back into your application. You may also call 311 (202-737-4404) to check the status of your application.
How to apply in-person:
November 10, 2026 - The Office of Unified Communications (311) will begin scheduling in person appointments to apply for the FY 27 LIHEAP program at both DOEE Service Centers. Please call (202) 737-4404 to schedule an appointment.
November 17, 2026 - DOEE will begin seeing scheduled in person appointments at both DOEE Service Centers.
Emergency Walk-ins will not be accepted
DOEE Service Center Locations:
1207 Taylor Street, NW
- Serving Wards 1,2,3,4, 5 & 6
- Interpreter services available & ADA Compliant
2100 Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue, SE
- Serving Wards 6,7, & 8
- Interpreter services available & ADA Compliant
Regular Assistance
Regular Assistance is for when energy service has not been disconnected:
- Review the income guidelines below to verify income eligibility
- Call 311 to schedule an appointment at one of DOEE’s Energy Centers
- Appointments are required to receive regular and emergency energy assistance. Walk-ins will not be accepted.
Emergency Assistance
Emergency Assistance is for when energy service has been disconnected or home heating oil is depleted:
- Review the income guidelines below to verify income eligibility
- Call 311 to schedule an appointment at one of DOEE’s Energy Centers
How to apply via the mail:
Print and complete the application along with copies of the required documents (translated applications attached below).
Mail the application & required documents to:
Department of Energy & Environment
Attn: Utility Affordability Administration
1200 First Street NE, 5th Floor
Washington DC, 20002
Note: DOEE is the SOLE entity authorized to accept and process LIHEAP applications. You MUST submit your LIHEAP application directly to DOEE in order to sign up. DOEE has become aware that third parties may be accepting applications. DOEE cautions that you should NOT provide your LIHEAP application to any other entity, including a utility or government agency other than DOEE, as they are NOT authorized to accept and process them. Providing LIHEAP applications to an entity other than DOEE may put the confidentiality of your personal information at risk.
Resources Beyond LIHEAP:
Each utility company provides several resources to aid in bill payments or provide discounts to your bill. Please utilize the following links to help guide you to those resources. There are multiple programs per utility company, so be sure to look through the pages to see which resource works best for you and your household. DOEE is committed to helping District residents by connecting residents with resources to help ease their energy burden.
- Pepco: Assistance Programs (DC) | Pepco - An Exelon Company
- Washington Gas: Energy Assistance Programs - Washington Gas
- DC Water: Financial Assistance | DC Water
Pepco Customer Relief Fund:
Pepco and the Salvation Army are energizing our commitment to our communities by launching a one-time relief fund that provides financial support for those challenged by high energy costs.
Washington Gas - The Washington Area Fuel Fund:
Washington Gas created the Washington Area Fuel Fund (WAFF) to help families in need pay their heating bills.
DC Water - Serving People, Lending A Supporting Hand:
The SPLASH program, administered in partnership with the Greater Washington Urban League (GWUL), helps eligible D.C. residents facing financial challenges with their water and sewer bills.
Additional Resources
- Frequently Asked Questions
- If you disagree with DOEE's decision on your LIHEAP application, please see your appeal rights.
- For more information, please contact the DOEE Energy Office by calling 311.
Downloadable Application Translations